The TDI badge stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, and is the badge fitted to turbodiesel versions of the golf. These engines are well known for their dependability as well as producing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

What is the most popular Golf?

The Golf Match is the most popular version of the Golf. It's a mid-to-high specification version of the Mk7 golf and came equipped with adaptive cruise control, touchscreen sat nav and air con as standard. Of the Mk8, the Life is the most readily available on the used market. Though it's the entry-level model, it still comes with alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, sat nav and climate control.

Is the Volkswagen Golf good for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Golf is a very comfortable motorway cruiser. The interior is also spacious enough to accommodate passengers on a longer trip.

Is the Golf a good family car?

Yes. Volkswagen has always designed the Golf to be a family car. For a long time now, the Golf has only been available in a five-door layout, and it's very straightforward to fit an ISOFIX child seat in the back. Even performance versions such as the GTI and R retain excellent practicality but add a serious dose of performance.

Does the Volkswagen Golf come as a hybrid or electric version?

Yes, you can buy the Golf as an e-Golf, which is a fully electric car. This has lots of advantages, such as much lower running costs. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that allows for up to 42 miles of electric driving before switching to petrol/electric hybrid power to allow you to continue your journey.

Is there a four-wheel drive version of the Golf?

Yes, the very popular Golf R hot hatchback (and estate) comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The other option is the relatively rare Alltrack, which is an estate model.

5,460 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2024 - GOLF 1.5 TSI 150 Match 5dr

£19,991

1.5L
19.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall Volkswagen Scunthorpe

01724708058 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 - 2.0 Golf R TSi 4Motion Semi-Auto 4WD 5dr

£31,765

£479/pm (PCP)

2L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Bedford Used Car Sales

01234383411 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 35.8kWh e-Golf 5-Door

£8,295

£153/pm (HP)

84.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Hatchback

Loch Leven Car Sales

01738502464 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (19) - 2.0 TSI GTI Performance Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (245 ps) -

£16,150

2L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Garage Ltd

01332414842 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech GT Edition Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£10,995

£210/pm (HP)

1.6L
67.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Clear Car Group Ltd

01616696927 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 R-Line 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,498

1.5L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Workington Motorstore / GWM

01900511070 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (14) - 2.0 TSI R 5dr DSG Modified Stage 1 Remus Exhaust

Low Mileage

£14,495

£302/pm (HP)

2L
63.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

FR PERFORMANCE

01844391503 *

Volkswagen Golf2024 - 1.5 TSI 150 Style 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,698

1.5L
3.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Burton)

01283246286 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI GT 5dr

Reduced

£8,995

£179/pm (HP)

1.6L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Newport Motor Company

01566700819 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 GT Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£18,698

1.5L
33.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2008 - 2.0 TDI GT Sport 3-Door

£2,495

2L
229.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Aberdare Motors Ltd

01685707603 *

Volkswagen Golf2019 (69) - 2.0 TDI GT 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£14,995

2L
37.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Stoneacre Hyde

01616969150 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (68) - 1.6 TDI SE Nav Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,250

1.6L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495362191 *

4.8/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2025 - 2.0 TDI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£33,299

25.0
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Hatchback

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2014 (10) - 1.6 TDI S 5dr

Reduced

£2,750

1.6L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Motor City Sales Ltd

01494312056 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 1.6 TDI GT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

£179/pm (HP)

1.6L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Shift Automotive

01255449902 *

Volkswagen Golf2020 - TSI Style 5-Door

£16,495

£333/pm (PCP)

1.5L
49.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Chris Nicholls Motors Limited

01326330792 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Life Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£15,200

£255/pm (PCP)

1.5L
40.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - 1.5 TSI Style Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (130 ps)

£16,400

£266/pm (PCP)

1.5L
30.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

Volkswagen Golf2023 (23) - 1.5 TSI Style Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£17,977

1.5L
27.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Volkswagen Harrogate

01423396103 *

4.6/5 Stars

Why buy a used Volkswagen Golf?

If you're in the market for a practical, comfortable and dependable car with the added benefit of timeless style and design, then a used Volkswagen Golf is a great choice. The Golf is also available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even full electric engines.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Efficient engines
Impressively refined
High-quality interior

Cons

Rivals are more involving to drive
Digitalised interior is a bit fiddly
Plain styling

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

Volkswagen Golf video review

lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/lHUz0lVPyUY/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='lHUz0lVPyUY']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Different generations of used Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been on the roads since 1974, with the UK being one of its best markets. Over the course of eight generations, Volkswagen has kept the Golf stylish and relevant. The newest models remain highly efficient and thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

Eighth Generation (2020 to Present)

The most recent generation has been completely redesigned inside and out. The style is more striking, with interior features similar to those of the all-electric ID.4. Enhanced safety systems have also been added for a more protected drive.

VW released all-electric models and a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency, further adding to the overall appeal of the latest generation Golf.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 941
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 10.7 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 611 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 TSI 204 Style eHybrid 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.0 TSI Life 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Seventh Generation (2016 to 2020)

The MQB platform created a Golf that was 100 kg lighter than earlier models, meaning better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking was added. As with previous generations, VW continued working on ways to make the Golf more efficient, with improvements year over year.

In 2013, the Golf R hit the scene and brought class-leading hot hatch performance. Such was the popularity of the Mk7 Golf, over six million were built and sold worldwide.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 44 - 57
Acceleration:: 6.3 - 10.8 seconds
Boot space:: 380 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.4 TSI Moda 5dr DSG
Fastest
2.0 TSI GTI Moda 5dr DSG

Sixth Generation (2009 to 2016)

It didn't take long before drivers realised how amazing this generation was, with the 2009 model winning the World Car of the Year award. Despite its sharp style, this generation didn't go on many years before another design took over, making them even more desirable on the used market.

Most notably, this generation receives a lot of praise for its safety and the high-tech features included.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.2 - 2
MPG:: 33 - 74
Acceleration:: 5.5 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 250 - 505 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 TSI S 2dr
Cheapest
1.4 S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI R 4MOTION 3dr DSG

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.